(San Diego) The San Diego Padres and Xander Bogaerts finalized their 11-year, $280 million deal on Friday after the star shortstop passed his physical evaluations.
“His consistency and high-level production put him among the best players in baseball,” Padres general manager AJ Preller said in a statement. Xander’s poise and championship history make him a very strong addition to our team as we pursue our goal of bringing a World Series title to San Diego. »
The Padres reached the National Championship Series before losing to the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
Bogaerts joins an already deep roster that includes third baseman Manny Machado and outfielder Juan Soto. Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will join the Padres on April 20 after serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for steroids.
Tatis, who should be moved to the field, missed all of last season. As he was about to return to action after suffering a broken left wrist, he was suspended on August 12. He then underwent surgery on his left shoulder and follow-up surgery on his wrist.
The 30-year-old Bogaerts was one of the headliners of an impressive lineup of free agents at shortstop. Trea Turner, Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson were notably part of the lot.
Bogaerts ended his six-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox after the season. He left $20 million in each of three seasons after hitting .307 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs in 150 games.
In 10 major league seasons, all with the Red Sox, Bogaerts batted .292 with 156 long balls and 683 RBIs. He helped the Boston squad win the World Series in 2013 and 2018.
